As part of an ongoing effort to provide an educational platform on the health benefits of fruits and vegetables, the Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) is proud to announce Dr. Drew Ramsey as the keynote speaker for the second annual Viva Fresh Produce Expo.  The 2016 Expo will be held at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas on March 31- April 2, 2016.

Dr. Ramsey is a board-certified psychiatrist, author, and farmer and a leading proponent of dietary change to balance moods, sharpen brain function and improve mental health. An assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, his clinical work focuses on the treatment of depression and anxiety.

In this keynote session, Dr. Ramsey will share his findings about the powerful connection of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and how they can change how we feel.  Not just combatting traditional ailments like diabetes and heart disease, but how food affects mood disorders including depression.  Dr. Ramsey will identify how we can be our best self by changing how we eat to change how we feel with the power of brain food.

“We know that there is a direct correlation between what we eat and how it affects our body, but we don’t often think about how our diet impacts the brain and contributes to such things as mood disorders.” said Bret Erickson CEO of the Texas International Produce Association.  “As a psychiatrist, Dr. Ramsey provides an interesting perspective on the psychological benefits of healthy eating and the inclusion of more fruits and vegetables in our daily diets.  We’re all excited to learn from Dr. Ramsey and be inspired by his personal passion for not only psychology, but also agriculture and fresh foods.”

Dr. Ramsey’s recent bestseller 50 Shades of Kale (HarperWave 2013) has made kale more accessible to thousands in addition to his co-founding of National Kale Day. In his first book, The Happiness Diet: A Nutritional Prescription for a Sharp Brain, Balanced Mood and Lean, Energized Body (Rodale 2011), Ramsey explores the impact of modern diets on brain health. Dr. Ramsey has also recently completed his pending book, Eat Complete (Harper Collins 2016), due out in May 2016 in which he highlights the 21 nutrients that fuel brainpower, boost weight loss and transform your health.

Jimmy Bassetti President of J&D Produce and Chairman of the Viva Fresh Expo steering committee remarked, “Creating an ongoing dialogue on the health and nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables is a key component to the Viva Fresh Expo.  As both a farmer and the founder of National Kale Day, Dr. Ramsey is passionate about produce and brings a unique perspective to this dialogue that goes beyond that of only medical jargon.”

The keynote session is scheduled for Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 9:00 am – 10:30 am at the JW Marriott Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, Texas.  For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.vivafreshexpo.com.